The Cheat Code

Every Wednesday, three GOATS get together to record a podcast about the music industry with the mission of changing the game. Although this is made for artists, anyone in the music industry or who wants to be in the business of music, should check out The Cheat Code. The hosts are Ferrari Simmons (Music Director/DJ/Curator/Influencer), Wendy Day (the undisputed champion of the culture), and Mark "Rapjuggernaut" Hernandez (master strategist/culture ambassodor). Learn you some stuff!!

Culture Curation 04/24/2024

Ownership Is Not Automatic 04/17/2024

Setting Your Boundaries 04/10/2024

The Truth Is Ugly 04/03/2024

Our Favorite Artificial Intelligence 03/27/2024

Are You Really Doing Everything 03/20/2024

Back Feeling Recharged 03/13/2024

Want More Do More 03/06/2024

What Do You Expect From DJs 02/28/2024

Keeping It A Hunnid 02/21/2024

The Blame Game 02/14/2024

Before You Go To Radio 02/07/2024

Building Intentionally 01/31/2024

You Cant Break A Hit 01/24/2024

Unlocking Success 01/17/2024

Singles vs Albums 01/10/2024

Inspiration Into Action 01/03/2024

How Do You Show Up 12/27/2023

How Do You Show Up This episode of The Cheat Code is brought to you by "Utopia" by Brand DREAM™️. In Episode 92, our hosts kick off the conversation by exploring a crucial question: when is it time to heed the advice of professionals and learn to do business the right way? Is it after going through several investors or squandering a small fortune? They emphasize the importance of knowing when to seek professional guidance in the music industry. Our hosts proudly showcase their meticulously crafted "Utopia" by Brand DREAM™️ T-shirts (Available Here: https://www.branddream.us/ ) and dive headfirst into a post-Christmas discussion. The episode is intriguing as the hosts recount an encounter with an artist who sent a fake Spotify wrap-up graphic. Delving deeper into the story, they discuss the implications of such actions and the importance of authenticity in the music industry. Additionally, they share insights from a thought-provoking article highlighting that Walmart knows more about its customers than musicians know about their fans. This discussion leads to valuable insights on enhancing fan engagement and understanding. The hosts also draw attention to the vast teams that major record labels employ and the challenges indie artists face. They stress that every loss in the music industry is a lesson learned and emphasize the importance of persistence and learning from setbacks. The episode wraps up by exploring the notion that music success isn't solely determined by the amount of money invested. It requires passion, dedication, and a genuine desire to succeed. As they point out, many athletes and wealthy individuals try their hand at music but only succeed if they truly want to. Join The Cheat Code hosts as they unravel the intricacies of the music business in Episode 92, "How Do You Show Up?" presented by "Utopia" by Brand DREAM™️. | getthecheatcode@gmail.com /episode/index/show/3c5db3a5-1c39-4ea9-b38c-d4f242eb1d31/id/29108473

Yuletide Tune Up 12/20/2023

Sleighing The Season 12/13/2023

Owning Your Image 12/06/2023

It Pays To Be Real 11/29/2023

Planning To Sale 11/22/2023

What Are You Willing To Do 11/15/2023

Lets Go On Tour 11/08/2023

Surrounded By Winners 11/01/2023

Surrounded By Winners In Episode 84 of The Cheat Code, we kick things off by sending a big shoutout to Aych for the fantastic Champa Bay merch he sent our way. It's incredible to see our Coderz bringing their visions to life, and we're here to celebrate and help them market their creations. Cheers to you, Tampa Bay, Florida! We also reminisce about some of our cherished memories from that vibrant city. From the world of merch, we seamlessly transition into the realm of events, specifically DJ listening parties or, as they're often called nowadays, "Artist Playbacks." What exactly is an artist playback, and what distinguishes it? Is the music showcased at these events released or unreleased? Tune in to learn the ins and outs of planning and executing a successful artist playback. Planning is key, and our hosts emphasize that, on average, it takes about 30 days to meticulously plan and flawlessly execute an event. Major kudos to Eventbrite for providing event checklists and budget sheets, invaluable tools that make organizing events more manageable. If you're wondering about the right venue, the ideal number of attendees, or the best day and time to host your event, we've got you covered. We share tips, insights, and cost-effective strategies for Indie artists looking to host artist playbacks even with limited resources. We dive into the resources available to us through major platforms for data mining and analytics. Building a strong resource pool and striving for constant improvement with each release are essential. Our hosts pay their respects to Atlanta's hip-hop staples, including The Coalition DJs, ATLTop20 Family, Off the Porch with DGB, the Big Facts podcast, and more. Their unwavering support is invaluable as we strive to reach a wider audience and build a thriving community. Tune in to Episode 84, titled "Surrounded By Winners," for an insightful and engaging discussion on artist playbacks, event planning, and making your mark in the music industry. getthecheatcode@gmail.com /episode/index/show/3c5db3a5-1c39-4ea9-b38c-d4f242eb1d31/id/28487519

Growth and Gratitude 10/25/2023

Growth and Gratitude In this episode, we kick things off with an exciting update on our latest merchandise. We're thrilled to see our Coderz turning their visions into reality, and it's a win-win when they send us some swag to help them celebrate and promote. From T-shirts to hats and hoodies, it's all about embracing creativity and showcasing it to the world. But we don't stop there. We take a moment to shine the spotlight on Aych from Tampa, Florida, who's not just an artist but a true representation of hip-hop in the Sunshine State's central region. We delve into our relationships with Florida and acknowledge the DJs who are making waves in the local music scene, including DJ C-Nazte, DJ Shizim, DJ Headbussa, DJ Winn, and many more. The episode takes an exciting turn with a breaking announcement – Ferrari Simmons, our co-host, shares the news that he's no longer with Warner Records. Instead, he's back on the radio with iHeart Radio, hosting his new show "Rari at 2," which is set to be syndicated by 2024. It's a significant move, and we couldn't be more excited for Ferrari's next chapter. Acknowledging the mentors at Warner Records who've played a pivotal role in his journey, Ferrari expresses his gratitude for the valuable experience and learning opportunities. Gratitude is indeed the word of the day. We continue to explore the power of email and the benefits of setting up your inbox effectively. Ferrari gives a special shoutout to Kingpin, another co-host, for encouraging him to optimize his music servicing email blasts. We emphasize the importance of filters, organization, and customizing your email setup according to what matters most to you. Cheat Code subscribers can DM us on Instagram for exclusive email optimization documents, as email remains an underrated yet powerful tool in the digital age. Email's accountability, date and time stamps, and file-sharing capabilities can empower you to handle business more effectively. Understanding the full potential of your email is the first step in maximizing your efficiency. The episode then shifts to discussing the "Dj Blast" and why it's an invaluable tool. Sending music via email is more professional than texting, and it allows for sharing multiple versions, links to drops, analytics, visuals, and more. Building a community is a key part of our discussion, and we share our Community Building 101 tips, emphasizing the importance of engaging with your audience and keeping them informed. In the grand finale, we leave you with this thought: the music business is participatory, and you have to actively engage in your journey to success. It starts with checking your email and staying connected. Join us for another insightful episode on The Cheat Code! Stay tuned for more and keep those messages and feedback coming. Let's continue to grow together. getthecheatcode@gmail.com /episode/index/show/3c5db3a5-1c39-4ea9-b38c-d4f242eb1d31/id/28419230

A Winning Environment 10/18/2023

A Winning Environment In this episode of The Cheat Code, titled "A Winning Environment," we kick things off with a nod to the BumpBoxx, diving right back into the world of salesmanship. The spotlight shines on becoming an Amazon Influencer, sharing how you can turn your daily product usage into money by recommending and selling these products. We emphasize the importance of using the Paid Advertisement sticker, showing that transparency can open doors for brand collaborations that you may not have known were possible. Want to start creating content that attracts brand partnerships? We discuss the methods to achieve just that, but remember, it requires dedication and effort. As we pivot, we ponder which areas of the music industry lack sufficient information. Producers and Production need more education and information circulating within their community. The digital side, including Metadata, Data Mining, and Analytic Reviews, requires an overhaul to stay relevant and competitive. We address a somewhat misleading social media post that suggests it takes zero money to start an account or a business. In reality, there are operating costs, and the importance of infrastructure setup cannot be understated. Our hosts reminisce about the '80s classic "War Games," reflecting on its prescient exploration of A.I. – a concept introduced to us 40 years ago. Staying current on trends and remaining informed opens doors to becoming a beta tester on platforms like Instagram. We invite our CODERZ to DM us for access to a valuable social media news blast. Want to unlock the full potential of a platform? Dive in and explore the platform's intricacies. Want to learn? The answers are out there, waiting for you like Power Pellets in Pac-Man. We delve into a research paper discussing the connection between emotions and virality, reminding us that topics are constantly evolving and require ongoing study. Beware of those who claim expertise in the unknown. We shift gears to address the frustration of working with individuals on different thinking tiers. To leave the world, the business, better than we inherited it, we surround ourselves with those who crave progress and action. Handling personal situations at work can be tricky. We advocate for dialogue but discourage public grandstanding. Address issues privately to identify and solve any underlying concerns. It's possible to coexist with lazy colleagues by ensuring your department is immaculate and focusing on your own excellence. Remember, breeding a winning environment and addressing issues respectfully is key. We conclude with a wise adage we've picked up along the way: "If you hang around a barber shop long enough, you'll get a haircut." See you next week for more Cheat Code insights. getthecheatcode@gmail.com /episode/index/show/3c5db3a5-1c39-4ea9-b38c-d4f242eb1d31/id/28355072

Money Money Money 10/11/2023

Money Money Money In Episode 81 of The Cheat Code, titled "Money, Money, Money," we're diving into a wealth of essential topics. Our hosts kick things off with a reminder about our awesome merch, including the coveted Cheat Code coffee mug – perfect for your morning inspiration! But the main course for this episode is all about money. We explore the intricate relationship between money and the music industry. It's not just about making money; it's about understanding that money is a vehicle that grants you the freedom to make moves on your own terms. Money is fluid, and knowing how to navigate its ebbs and flows is key. We discuss downsizing and how it happens in various aspects of life and business. We emphasize the importance of knowing what you want to do, as it's the first step in budget allocation and successful planning. If you're considering investing in your music project or seeking an investor, research and knowledge about how your music is received are crucial. The living legend, Wendy Day, shares her valuable method for determining the right time to drop songs, and it's a golden nugget of wisdom you won't want to miss. Our hosts dive into how the film and TV industry is adopting data monitoring and tracking techniques from the music industry, making it a relevant topic for artists. We also celebrate the Writers of America returning to work and bringing back late-night TV and other beloved shows. Adding value to your craft is essential, but it goes hand in hand with learning how to monetize your work. Elevating and growing require effective marketing and promotion, which means knowing your target audience and how to reach them. The Cheat Code isn't just about shortcuts; it's about preserving your money, safeguarding your intellectual property, and maintaining your sanity. To help you on this journey, we break down the "Cost of Doing Business" for artists, giving you insights into how much you need to invest to make your music career profitable. It's a must-listen for anyone hungry to learn and reap the rewards of the music business. Join us as we navigate the complex world of music and finance, providing you with valuable insights and strategies to thrive in the industry. For more episodes and updates, follow us on our social media platforms and stay informed. #TheCheatCode #MoneyTalks #MusicIndustry #FinanceMatters getthecheatcode@gmail.com /episode/index/show/3c5db3a5-1c39-4ea9-b38c-d4f242eb1d31/id/28289399

You Can But Will You 10/04/2023

The Cheat Code

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